View source for Conch

{{Short description|Shell or sea snails}}
{{for multi|the Indian ritual conch|Shankha|other uses}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2020}}
[[File:Queen Conch (Lobatus gigas).jpg|thumb|Apertural view of an adult queen conch ''[[Aliger gigas]]'' with the foot, eyes and snout visible]]
[[File:Melongena corona 2.jpg|thumb|A shell of a dead Florida crown conch ''[[Melongena corona]]'' inhabited by a [[hermit crab]]]]

'''Conch''' ({{IPAc-en|US|k|ɑː|ŋ|k|,_|k|ɑː|n|tʃ}} {{respell|KONK}}, {{respell|KONCH}}, {{IPAc-en|UK|k|ɒ|n|tʃ}} {{respell|KONCH}})<ref>{{cite book |last=Wells|first=J. C. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bxviDAAAQBAJ |title=Sounds Fascinating: Further Observations on English Phonetics and Phonology |date=2016 |publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]] |isbn=978-1-107-15779-8 |page=11}}</ref> is any of a number of different medium-to-large-sized [[sea snail]]s. Conch shells typically have a high [[Spire (mollusc)|spire]] and a noticeable [[siphonal canal]] (in other words, the shell comes to a noticeable point on both ends).

Conchs that are sometimes referred to as "true conchs" are [[Marine (ocean)|marine]] [[gastropod]]s in the [[family (biology)|family]] [[Strombidae]], specifically in the genus ''[[Strombus]]'' and other closely related genera. For example, ''[[Aliger gigas]]'', the queen conch, is a true conch. True conchs are identified by their long spire.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Goldman |first=Jaime |title=Library Guides: Central and South Florida Gastropod Seashell Identification Guide: Conchs |url=https://libguides.nova.edu/shellidentification/conchs |access-date=2024-10-29 |website=libguides.nova.edu |language=en}}</ref>

Many other species are also often called "conch", but are not at all closely related to the family Strombidae, including ''[[Melongena]]'' species (family [[Melongenidae]]) and the horse conch ''[[Triplofusus papillosus]]'' (family [[Fasciolariidae]]). Species commonly referred to as conches also include the sacred chank or ''[[shankha]]'' shell (''[[Turbinella pyrum]]'') and other ''Turbinella'' species in the family [[Turbinellidae]]. The Triton's trumpet (family [[Charoniidae]]) may also be fashioned into a horn and referred to as a conch.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025}}

==Etymology==
The English word "conch" is attested in [[Middle English]],<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conch|title=Definition of CONCH|website=merriam-webster.com|language=en|access-date=2017-02-01}}</ref> coming from [[Latin]] {{lang|la|concha}} (shellfish, [[mussel]]),<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=conch|title=Online Etymology Dictionary|website=etymonline.com|language=en|access-date=2017-02-01}}</ref> which in turn comes from Greek {{transliteration|grc|konchē}} (same meaning)<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> ultimately from [[Proto-Indo-European root]] {{lang|und|*konkho-}},<ref name=":0" /> cognate with Sanskrit word {{lang|sa|śaṅkha}}.<ref name=":0" />

== General description ==
Conch are species of sea snail in the phylum Mollusca. Their shells consist of about 95% calcium carbonate and 5% organic matter. Conch are harvested for their edible meat and decorative shell. The shells are often used for decoration and as a musical instrument.<ref>{{cite web |last=Chandler |first=David L. |date=May 26, 2017 |title=Conch shells spill the secret to their toughness |url=http://news.mit.edu/2017/conch-shells-better-helmets-body-armor-0526 |access-date=April 30, 2020 |website=news.mit.edu}}; {{cite web |date=March 25, 2011 |title=Conch shell gives nano insights into composite materials |url=https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110322110026.htm |access-date=April 30, 2020 |website=sciencedaily.com}}</ref>

[[Aliger gigas|Queen conch]] (''Aliger gigas'') was listed as threatened under the [[Endangered Species Act of 1973|Endangered Species Act]] in 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fisheries |first=NOAA |date=2024-08-21 |title=Final Rule to List the Queen Conch as Threatened Under the Endangered Species Act {{!}} NOAA Fisheries |url=https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/final-rule-list-queen-conch-threatened-under-endangered-species-act |access-date=2025-10-11 |website=NOAA |language=en}}</ref> Due to this threatened classification, commercial or recreational harvesting is illegal in Florida waters and punishable by state law.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 68B-16.004 - Harvest of Queen Conch Prohibited |url=https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/florida/Fla-Admin-Code-Ann-R-68B-16-004 |access-date=2025-10-11 |website=LII / Legal Information Institute |language=en}}</ref> There are significant conservation efforts underway to help protect this species, including the use of [[aquaculture]] to raise them in hatcheries and relocation of conchs to increase mating.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schirmer |first=Rachael |date=2024-04-03 |title=Playing Matchmaker for Keys' Queen Conch |url=https://wildlifeflorida.org/queen-conch-keys-2024/ |access-date=2025-10-11 |website=Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Culinary use==
{{Cookbook|Conch}}[[File:Large eastern conch.jpg|thumb|A group of large eastern conches or [[whelk]]s of the species ''[[Busycotypus canaliculatus]]'' for sale at a California seafood market]]
The meat of conches are often eaten raw in [[salad]]s or cooked in burgers, [[chowder]]s, [[fritter]]s, and [[gumbo]]s. Conch is indigenous to the Caribbean and [[West Indies]]. Conch is particularly popular in the [[The Bahamas|Bahamas]], [[Turks and Caicos Islands|Turks and Caicos]], and [[Jamaica]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ranahan|first=Jared|date=October 30, 2019|title=10 local foods in Turks and Caicos that you have to try|url=https://www.10best.com/interests/food-travel/conch-lionfish-local-foods-turks-and-caicos/}}</ref> Conch has been widely consumed in The Bahamas, where it is popular cooked into fritters, since the settlement of the islands by the [[Lucayan people]] although the increasing harvest of juvenile conches has negatively impacted their population.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Conch Fritters Through Time: Human Predation and Population Demographics of Lobatus gigas on San Salvador Island, The Bahamas |url=https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/sepm/palaios/article-abstract/34/8/383/573097/CONCH-FRITTERS-THROUGH-TIME-HUMAN-PREDATION-AND?redirectedFrom=fulltext |access-date=2023-06-18 |website=pubs.geoscienceworld.org}}</ref> In Jamaica conch is eaten in stews and curries. In the [[Dominican Republic]], [[Grenada]], and [[Haiti]], conch is commonly eaten in curries or in a spicy soup. It is locally referred to as ''lambi''. In [[Puerto Rico]], conch is served as a ''[[ceviche]]'', often called ''ensalada de carrucho'' (conch salad), consisting of raw conch marinated in lime juice, olive oil, vinegar, garlic, green peppers, and onions. It is also used to fill ''[[empanada]]s''.

In [[Panama]], conch is known as ''cambombia'' and is often served as ''ceviche de cambombia'', consisting of raw conch marinated in lime juice, chopped onions, finely chopped [[habanero]]s, and often vinegar.

Conch is very popular in [[Italy]] and among [[Italian Americans]]. Called ''sconcigli'', it is eaten in a variety of ways, but most often in salads or cooked in a sauce for pasta. It is often included as one of the dishes prepared for the [[Feast of the Seven Fishes]].

In East Asian cuisines, conch is often cut into thin slices and then [[Steaming|steamed]] or [[stir-frying|stir-fried]].

Eighty per cent of the queen conch meat in international trade is imported into the United States. The [[Florida Keys]] were a major source of queen conches until the 1970s, but the conches are now scarce and all harvesting of them in Florida waters is prohibited<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fws.gov/international/animals/queen-conch.html|title=Queen Conch|website=U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: International Affairs|access-date=March 14, 2019|archive-date=June 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604192708/http://www.fws.gov/international/animals/queen-conch.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> and individuals who have harvested them have been punished by law enforcement.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Woman who collected queen conch seashells in Florida sentenced to jail|date=2018-07-19|orig-date=2018-07-18|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2018/07/18/tourist-collected-queen-conch-seashells-florida-sent-jail/794883002/|last=May|first=Ashley|website=USA TODAY|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-26}}</ref>

===Festival===
In [[the Turks and Caicos Islands]], the Conch Festival is held in November each year at the Three Queens Bar/Restaurant in Blue Hills. Local restaurateurs compete for the best and most original conch dishes, which are then judged by international chefs. Other competitions, events, and music performances occur.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2013-12-21|title=Turks and Caicos Conch Festival|url=https://turksandcaicostourism.com/turks-and-caicos-conch-festival/|access-date=2022-02-09|website=Welcome to the Turks and Caicos Islands|language=en-US}}</ref>

=== Fritters ===
{{Infobox food
| name               = Conch fritters
| image              = Conch fritters Mango Festival 2011.jpg
| caption            = Conch fritters and dip
| type               = [[Fritter]]
| course             = Appetizer
| region             = [[The Bahamas]]
| associated_cuisine = [[Bahamian cuisine]]
| served             = Hot
| main_ingredient    = [[Conch]], cornmeal, diced vegetables
}}
Conch fritters are commonly served in [[The Bahamas]] and the [[Florida Keys]]. The dish is popular in Bahamian restaurants and was described by [[Time (magazine)|''Time'']] as "the Bahamas' own original fast food".<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Campbell |first=Penny |date=2004-03-21 |title=Fried And Fabulous |url=https://content.time.com/time/subscriber/article/0,33009,603217,00.html |access-date=2023-06-18 |magazine=Time |language=en-US |issn=0040-781X}}</ref>

They are also popular in Florida, where they are typically served with [[Key lime]] mustard.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-05 |title=17 Iconic Florida Foods You Need To Try |url=https://www.tastingtable.com/1218051/iconic-florida-foods-you-need-to-try/ |access-date=2023-06-18 |website=Tasting Table |language=en-US}}</ref> The DNA of fried conch fritters exported to Florida from the Bahamas have been analyzed by researchers to study [[queen conch]] populations.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Natesh |first1=Meghana |last2=Taylor |first2=Ryan W. |last3=Truelove |first3=Nathan K. |last4=Hadly |first4=Elizabeth A. |last5=Palumbi |first5=Stephen R. |last6=Petrov |first6=Dmitri A. |last7=Ramakrishnan |first7=Uma |date=June 2019 |editor-last=Yu |editor-first=Douglas |title=Empowering conservation practice with efficient and economical genotyping from poor quality samples |journal=Methods in Ecology and Evolution |language=en |volume=10 |issue=6 |pages=853–859 |bibcode=2019MEcEv..10..853N |doi=10.1111/2041-210X.13173 |issn=2041-210X |pmc=6738957 |pmid=31511786}}</ref>

The meat of a conch is[[Mincing| minced]] before cooking to tenderize it.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Conch Fritters {{!}} Traditional Sea Snail Dish From The Bahamas {{!}} TasteAtlas |url=https://www.tasteatlas.com/conch-fritters |access-date=2023-06-18 |website=www.tasteatlas.com}}</ref> The mince is then mixed into a seasoned [[fritter]] batter made of cornmeal, chopped vegetables, typically including onions, bell peppers, celery and jalapeños.<ref>{{Cite web |last=admin |date=2021-11-28 |title=Easy and Delicious Conch Fritters Recipe |url=https://stiltsvillefishbar.com/easy-and-delicious-conch-fritters-recipe/ |access-date=2023-06-18 |website=Stiltsville Fish Bar |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-02-18 |title=Conch Fritters |url=https://www.local10.com/soflo-taste/2023/02/18/conch-fritters/ |access-date=2023-06-18 |website=WPLG |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Gassenheimer |first=Linda |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eJ3ymEDh91wC&dq=conch+fritters&pg=PA42 |title=The Flavors of the Florida Keys |date=2010 |publisher=Atlantic Monthly Press |isbn=978-0-8021-1953-7 |pages=42 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Conch Fritters |url=https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/conch-fritters-11279449 |access-date=2023-06-18 |website=Food Network |language=en}}</ref> Lemon juice, tomato paste, black pepper and creole seasoning are commonly used.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Davis |first=Stephen |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TUmmEAAAQBAJ&dq=conch+fritters&pg=PA9 |title=POTS!!!: No-Frills Recipes |date=2023-01-08 |publisher=Gatekeeper Press |isbn=978-1-6629-1903-9 |pages=9 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-12-15 |title=Bahamian Conch Fritters with Calypso Sauce Recipe |url=https://www.marlinmag.com/food-and-drink/bahamian-conch-fritters-calypso-sauce-recipe/ |access-date=2023-06-18 |website=Marlin Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref> The batter mixture is then formed into balls and deep-fried.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Gassenheimer |first=Linda |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FgSCn1vYC5gC&dq=conch+fritters&pg=PA7 |title=Keys Cuisine: Flavors of the Florida Keys |date=1994 |publisher=Atlantic Monthly Press |isbn=978-0-87113-540-7 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Jr |first=R. W. Apple |date=2002-01-30 |title=True Pearls Of the Caribbean |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/01/30/dining/true-pearls-of-the-caribbean.html |access-date=2023-06-18 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> They are served with various dipping sauces, such as cocktail sauce, mayonnaise or ketchup.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Authentic Bahamian Conch Fritters Recipe {{!}} Nassau Paradise Island |url=https://www.nassauparadiseisland.com/blog/recipe-conch-fritters |access-date=2023-06-18 |website=www.nassauparadiseisland.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=DeMers |first=John |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=h229TouniGIC&dq=conch+fritters&pg=PA40 |title=Caribbean Cooking |date=1997 |publisher=Penguin |isbn=978-1-55788-271-4 |pages=40 |language=en}}</ref>

==Musical instruments==
{{main article|Conch (instrument)}}

Conch shells can be used as [[wind instrument]]s. They are prepared by cutting a hole in the [[spire (mollusc)|spire]] of the shell near the [[apex (mollusc)|apex]] and then blowing into the shell as if it were a trumpet, as a [[blowing horn]]. Sometimes a mouthpiece is used, but some shell trumpets are blown without one. Pitch is adjusted by moving one's hand in and out of the aperture; the deeper the hand, the lower the note.

Various species of large marine [[gastropod shell]]s can be turned into blowing shells, but some of the best-known species used are the sacred chank or ''shankha'' ''Turbinella pyrum'', the Triton's trumpet ''[[Charonia tritonis]]'', and the queen conch ''[[Strombus gigas]]''.

One of the most famous musical instruments was found in the [[Marsoulas Cave|Marsoulas cave]] in the [[Pyrenees|Pyrenees Mountains]], in [[France]], in 1932. CT scans showed how ancient humans adapted the Concho to make it a musical instrument, such as creating a mouthpiece that was held together by an organic matter like [[clay]] or [[wax]]. Researchers from the [[University of Paris|Sorbonne]], together with a professional horn player, were able to use it again as a musical instrument and play it.

Examples of this practice in the Americas can be seen in the form of historical artifacts at the [[Museo Larco]] in [[Lima]], [[Peru]], and [[Museo Nacional de Antropología]] in [[Mexico City]], [[Mexico]].

==Pearls==
[[File:- conch pearl.png|thumb|alt=A gem quality 1.95 carat conch pearl displaying gem flame patterning|upright=.8|A conch pearl displaying flame patterning.]]
Many kinds of molluscs can produce [[pearl]]s. Pearls from the queen conch, ''S. gigas'', are rare and have been collector's items since Victorian times.<ref name="skira.net">{{cite book|year=2007|first=Hubert|last=Bari|isbn=978-8861300132|publisher=Skira|title=Pink Pearl: A Natural Treasure of the Caribbean|id= {{ASIN|8861300138|country=ca}}}}</ref> Conch pearls occur in a range of hues, including white, brown, and orange, with many intermediate shades, but pink is the colour most associated with the conch pearl, such that these pearls are sometimes referred to simply as "pink pearls".<ref name="skira.net"/> In some gemological texts, non-nacreous gastropod pearls used to be referred to as "calcareous concretions" because they were porcellaneous (shiny and ceramic-like in appearance), rather than nacreous (with a pearly luster). The [[Gemological Institute of America]] and [[World Jewellery Confederation]] now use the simple term "pearl"—or, where appropriate, the more-descriptive term "non-nacreous pearl"—for such items,<ref>[http://www.giathai.net/pdf/05-15-07%20CIBJO%20Pearl%20Blue%20Book%20-%202007.pdf CIBJO 'Pearl Book'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723134443/http://www.giathai.net/pdf/05-15-07%20CIBJO%20Pearl%20Blue%20Book%20-%202007.pdf |date=2011-07-23 }}. ''Giathai.net''; [http://www.gia.edu/gemsandgemology/620/30177/this_weeks_news_details.cfm GIA ''Gems & Gemology'' magazine news archive] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090113164547/http://www.gia.edu/gemsandgemology/620/30177/this_weeks_news_details.cfm |date=2009-01-13 }}. ''Gia.edu''.</ref> and, under Federal Trade Commission rules, various mollusk pearls may be referred to as "pearls" without qualification.<ref>{{Cite web|date=6 July 2023|title=16 CFR §23.19: Definitions of various pearls|url=https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-B/part-23/section-23.19|access-date=2023-02-08|website=Code of Federal Regulations| publisher=Federal Trade Commission|language=en}}</ref>

Although not nacreous, the surfaces of fine conch pearls have a unique appearance. The microstructure of conch pearls comprises partly aligned bundles of microcrystalline fibers that create a shimmering, slightly [[iridescence|iridescent]] effect known as flame structure. The effect is a form of [[chatoyancy]], caused by the interaction of light rays with the microcrystals in the pearl's surface, and it somewhat resembles ''[[Moire (fabric)|moiré]]'' silk.{{cn|date=January 2024}}

==Other uses==
[[File:Conch drawing.jpg|thumb|upright=.7|A drawing of the shell of ''[[Strombus alatus]]'', the Florida fighting conch]]
* Conch shells are used as biologically grown calcium carbonate fertilizer.<ref>{{cite web|title=Help us change the tide|url=https://conchline.com|year=2023 |website=conchline.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://dirtsoilandmore.com/benefits-using-crushed-shell-natural-fertilizer/ | title=The Benefits of Using Crushed Shell as a Natural Fertilizer | date=29 January 2018 }}</ref>
* Conch shells are sometimes used as decoration, as decorative planters, and in [[cameo (carving)|cameo]] making.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Materials Used for Cameos |url=http://cascocameos.com/materials-used.html |access-date=2022-04-20 |website=Casco Cameos, LLC. |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-07-02 |title=Shells Through the Centuries |url=https://bunnywilliams.com/pointofview-posts/shells-through-the-centuries/ |access-date=2022-04-20 |website=Bunny Williams Interior Design |language=en-US}}</ref>
* In the Aztec culture, the conch played an important role in rituals, war, art, music, mythology, festivals, and even the calendar.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sea shell or conch |url=https://www.mexicolore.co.uk/aztecs/artefacts/sea-shell |access-date=2022-04-20 |website=www.mexicolore.co.uk}}</ref>
* In [[India]], some [[artisan]]s make souvenirs, deity idols and other crafts by carving natural conch shells by hands.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shankha {{!}} Shilpiyon - Rejuvenating The Artisans |url=https://www.shilpiyon.in/shankha |access-date=2022-12-12 |website=Shilpiyon |language=en}}</ref>
* Conch shells have been used as [[shell money]] in several cultures.<ref>{{Cite web |title=10000 years of economy |url=http://www.citeco.fr/10000-years-history-economics/the-origins/cowry-shells-a-form-of-currency |access-date=2022-04-20 |website=www.citeco.fr |language=en-US}}</ref>
* Some American Aboriginals used cylindrical conch columella beads as part of breastplates and other personal adornment.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Ewers|first=John Canfield|title=Hair pipes in Plains Indian adornment : a study in Indian and White ingenuity |url=https://www.sil.si.edu/DigitalCollections/BAE/Bulletin164/tptoc.htm
| series=Anthropological Papers, No. 50
| journal= Bureau of American Ethnology BULLETIN | volume=164|pages= 29–85, pls. 13–37
| publisher=United States Government Printing Office| place=  Washington DC| orig-date=1957
| via=Smithsonian Institution Libraries 
|date=1996
}}</ref>
* In India, the [[Bengalis|Bengali]] bride-to-be is adorned with conch shell and coral bangles called ''shakha paula''. It is a traditional wedding ritual for every Bengali bride.<ref name="storify.com">{{Cite web |url=https://storify.com/David75/significance-of-shakhapaula-for-a-bengali-bride |title=Significance of Shakha Paula for a Bengali Bride · Storify |access-date=2016-08-31 |archive-date=2016-09-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920054434/https://storify.com/David75/significance-of-shakhapaula-for-a-bengali-bride |url-status=dead }}</ref>
* In [[India]] and [[Bangladesh]], the conch is blown every day in the evening in [[Bengalis|Bengali]] houses as a daily ritual.
* In some [[Afro-Caribbean]] and African-American cemeteries, conch shells are placed on graves.<ref>''The Last Miles of the Way: African Homegoing Traditions, 1890-Present'', edited by Elaine Nichols.</ref>
* In some Caribbean countries such as Jamaica and the Bahamas, cleaned queen conch shells, or polished fragments, are sold, mainly to [[tourist]]s, as [[souvenir]]s or in [[jewelry|jewellery]]. Responding to a 2003 recommendation from [[CITES]], some countries in the Caribbean have banned the export of queen conch shells. CITES has also asked all countries to ban import of these shells from countries that are not complying with CITES recommendations for managing the fishery. Queen conch fisheries have been closed in several countries.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cites.org/eng/news/press/2003/031001_queen_conch.shtml|title=CITES suspends traConchesConchesde in queen conch shellfish|access-date=2009-08-14|archive-url=http://arquivo.pt/wayback/20090707054050/http://www.cites.org/eng/news/press/2003/031001_queen_conch.shtml|archive-date=2009-07-07|url-status=dead}}</ref> Conch shells or fragments taken home by tourists from noncomplying countries may be confiscated on return to the tourist's home country while clearing [[customs]]. In the [[United Kingdom|UK]], conch shells are the 9th-most seized import.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/low/science/nature/1823044.stm | work=BBC News | title=UK 'complacent' over wildlife threats | date=2002-02-18 | access-date=2010-04-30}}</ref>
*Conch shells have been used as a building material since ancient times, and new research is being conducted, to replicate their material for practical uses such as bone replacement, and also in architecture, to construct stronger structures.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-03-11 |title=Sea shells inspire better building materials |url=https://newatlas.com/sea-shells-inspire-better-building-materials/14467/ |access-date=2022-04-20 |website=New Atlas |language=en-US}}</ref>
* In Grenada, fishermen use the conch shell as a trombone to announce to the community that fish is available for sale. Conchs are used at carnival times in the Jouvert Jump where Diab Diab (Jab Jab) blow conch shells as part of the festivities. Especially in [[Guadeloupe]], hearing conch shells being blown near ports at dawn and during Carnival times, too, is not uncommon. Many bands and trumpeters like Steve Turre use the conch shell in their performances.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-10-01 |title=Hear Steve Turre Play the Conch Shell on 'Sanctified Shells' |url=https://www.jazziz.com/hear-steve-turre-play-the-conch-shell-on-sanctified-shells/ |access-date=2022-04-20 |website=JAZZIZ Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref>
* In the Caribbean, broken or up-turned conch shells are embedded into the tops of outdoor walls in an effort to maintain home security.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-11-16 |title=Island Skills: How to Properly Remove a Conch from Its Shell |url=https://tcvillas.com/island-skills-shell-conch/ |access-date=2022-03-14 |website=Tcvillas |language=en-US}}</ref>
* In [[Tamil Nadu]], India, the conch horn is blown during funerals as an acoustic indication of the funeral and to ward off evil spirits.{{citation needed|date=May 2020}}
* In Key West, Florida, US, a native-born resident is affectionately called a "conch".{{citation needed|date=May 2020}}
* In Japan, a conch is ''[[horagai]]'' (or ''jinkai''). It was used as a trumpet in special ceremonies such as a royal cremation during the Edo period.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.penn.museum/collections/object/109791 |title=Object A726 - Conch Shell Trumpet |website=penn.museum |access-date=April 30, 2020}}</ref>
*Conch shells, (''pu'' in [[Hawaiian language|Hawaiian]]) have been historically used as a method of communication, a tradition that is still observed in parts of modern life in Hawai'i.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Code Switch: Saving The Endangered Hawaiian Language|url=https://www.npr.org/2019/10/14/770133522/code-switch-saving-the-endangered-hawaiian-language|website=NPR.org|language=en|access-date=2020-05-26}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Maui Now: Hundreds Participate in Annual First Day Hike|url=https://mauinow.com/2020/01/02/hundreds-participate-in-annual-first-day-hike/|website=Maui Now {{!}} Hawaii News {{!}} Hundreds Participate in Annual First Day Hike|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-26}}</ref>

==Religion==
===Ancient Peru===
The [[Moche (culture)|Moche]] people of ancient [[Peru]] worshipped the sea and often depicted conch shells in their art.<ref>Berrin, Katherine & Larco Museum. ''The Spirit of Ancient Peru:Treasures from the [[Larco Museum|Museo Arqueológico Rafael Larco Herrera]].'' New York: [[Thames and Hudson]], 1997.</ref>

===Aztec===
[[Quetzalcoatl]], the [[Aztec]] god of wind and learning, wears around his neck the "wind breastplate" ''ehecailacocozcatl'', "the spirally voluted wind jewel" made of a conch shell. Blowing a conch was considered a religious act.<ref>{{cite magazine |first=Stephan F. |last=de Borhegyi |url=http://www.penn.museum/documents/publications/expedition/PDFs/8-4/The%20Wind.pdf |title=The Wind God's Breastplate |magazine=Expedition |date=Summer 1966 |page=13 |publisher=[[University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology]]}}</ref>

===Hinduism===
{{main article|Shankha}}

[[File:Hindu priest blowing conch during punja.jpg|thumb|A Hindu priest blowing a ''shankha'' (a shell of ''Turbinella pyrum'') during a [[Puja (Hinduism)|''puja'']]]]
[[File:MET 244331.jpg|thumb|upright=.8|Ancient [[india]], carved conch with Lakshmi-Narayana, 11th–12th century]]

A ''[[shankha]]'' shell (the shell of a ''T. pyrum'', a species in the gastropod family [[Turbinellidae]]) is often referred to in the West as a conch shell or a chank shell. This shell is used as an important ritual object in [[Hinduism]]. The shell is used as a ceremonial trumpet, as part of religious practices, for example [[Puja (Hinduism)|''puja'']]. The chank trumpet is sounded during worship at specific points, accompanied by ceremonial bells and singing. As it is an [[Saubhagyalakshmi Upanishad|auspicious]] instrument, it is of purity and brilliance ([[Om]], [[Deva (Hinduism)|Devas]], [[Brahman]] the Almighty Supreme creator, referred to in [[mantra]]s, the [[Gāyatrī Mantra|Gayatri mantra]] explains a meditation on the brilliance of the sun), it is often played in a ''[[Lakshmi]] puja'' in temple or at home.

In the story of [[Dhruva]], the divine conch plays a special part. The warriors of ancient India blew conch shells to announce battle, as is described in the beginning of the war of Kurukshetra, in the Hindu epic the [[Mahabharata]].

The god of preservation, [[Vishnu]], is said to hold a special conch, Panchajanya, that represents life, as it has come out of life-giving waters. According to Hindu mythology, [[Deva (Hinduism)|Deva]]s (gods) and [[Asuras]] (demons) once decided to churn the ocean to get a special divine nectar. This divine nectar, also known as ''amrit'', was known to give immortality to whoever drank it. All the gods were on one side of it and the demons were on the other end. The churning (''[[samudra manthan]]'') produced a number of things from the ocean. One of the first things to come out of it was lethal poison called ''[[halahala]]''. Everyone was terrified, as the poison was potent enough to destroy entire creation, so they went to Lord Shiva for protection and he consumed the poison to safeguard the universe. Lord Shiva took the poison in his mouth, but did not swallow it. <!-- Later, some additional objects came out of the ocean such as Lakshmi (goddess of prosperity and beauty), Goddess of wine, Moon, divine Nymphs like Rambha- and Menakha, Uchhaishravas the divine seven headed White horse, Kaustubha a jewel, Parijata the celestial tree, Surabhi the cow of plenty, Airavata a white elephant, Dhanus a mighty bow and many more such things were produced. --> ''Shankha'' also was one of divine objects that was obtained from ''[[samudra manthan]].''{{citation needed|date=May 2020}}

Also, the sound of the conch is believed to drive away the evil spirits.{{citation needed|date=May 2020}}

The blowing of the conch or "the ''shankha''" needs a tremendous power and respiratory capacity. Hence, blowing it daily helps keep the lungs healthy.{{Citation needed|date=January 2012}}

A newlywed Bengali bride wears bangles called ''shakha paula'', made from coral and conch-shell powder. They have been a part of Bengali custom and tradition. In an ancient era, the Bengali farming community is thought to have resided near the river. They collected conch shells and powdered them to create bangles. They also used red coral for the bangles. They gave these beautiful bangles to their wives, as they could not afford ivory bangles. They were also known as poor-man's ivory, as they were cheap substitute for ivory bangles.<ref name="storify.com"/>

==== Literature and the oral tradition ====
* In the Hindu tradition, the conch shell is used in ceremony as the sound it makes is said to correspond with higher frequency universal sounds associated with [[music of the spheres]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.dvaita.org/hinduism-and-the-conch-shell-a-sacred-instrument/|title=Hinduism And The Conch Shell: A Sacred Instrument|accessdate=November 4, 2022|website=dvaita.org/<!-- |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20221104042251/https://www.dvaita.org/hinduism-and-the-conch-shell-a-sacred-instrument/|archive-date=November 4, 2022|url-status=live -->}}</ref>

== In popular culture ==
In ''[[Lord of the Flies]]'', a group of boys stranded on an uninhabited island use a conch shell to gather for meetings, and only the person holding it is allowed to speak. The conch comes to represent structure, democracy, and civilization. Its destruction later in the story marks the complete breakdown of order and the boys’ descent into savagery.

==See also==
* ''[[Dakshinavarti shankha]]''
* ''[[Lentigo pipus]]''
* [[Seashell]]
* [[Seashell resonance]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Conches}}
{{cookbook}}
*{{Cite EB1911|wstitle=Conch}}
{{Edible molluscs}}

[[Category:Commercial molluscs]]
[[Category:Strombidae]]
[[Category:Endangered animals]]
[[Category:Symbols]]
[[Category:Mollusc shells]]
[[Category:Mollusc common names]]